Collaborative tuberculosis/HIV activities in the European Region

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• 12% of tuberculosis (TB) patients in the WHO European Region are co-infected with HIV.
• Integrated, people-centered care models are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality in HIV-associated TB.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current models of TB and HIV service integration in the WHO European Region.
• To identify challenges and opportunities in TB/HIV service delivery.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive survey was conducted among National Focal Points for TB and HIV.
• Data on service integration, testing, and screening practices were collected from 47 out of 55 countries.

Main Results:

• HIV testing for TB patients and TB screening for people living with HIV (PLHIV) are recommended in most countries (85% and 72%, respectively).
• Latent TB infection (LTBI) screening for PLHIV is recommended in 64% of countries, with varying approaches.
• Specialists predominantly conduct testing and screening: TB specialists test for HIV (89%), and HIV specialists screen for TB (72%).

Conclusions:

• TB and HIV care policies are well-integrated, particularly in high-burden countries.
• Implementation of integrated TB/HIV services needs improvement.
• Continuous monitoring of service integration is essential for quality assessment and identifying areas for enhancement.